Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2007
262 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the commitments given by her regarding the procurement and payment for a site for the school; and when the project will proceed to construction. [22904/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from the School Planning Section of the Department met with a delegation from the two primary schools involved in order to discuss issues surrounding the acquisition of a proposed Greenfield site. On foot of that meeting technical staff from the Department carried out an assessment of the proposed Greenfield site. The technical report raised a number of issues which need to be addressed by the school authorities and a reply is awaited.
The long term projected staffing, on which the school's accommodation needs are based, is being considered in the Department at present. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities, the building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
263 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the standard procedure regarding the procurement of sites for new schools; if this varies where the site is needed for a new school or where existing schools are amalgamating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22905/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works generally acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions. Sites are generally identified either through advertisements and/or through consultations with the relevant local authority. In some circumstances site acquisitions can be handled by the Department directly or through the relevant VEC. School Building Projects are progressed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was agreed with the Education Partners.
